Transformable slide storage apparatus and method

ABSTRACT

Transformable slide storage apparatus and method of transforming a shape of a slide storage apparatus. A slide storage apparatus includes a plurality of trays, a plurality of linking members and a plurality of connectors. The trays are configured to hold slides, and the connectors secure the linking members to the trays. At least one linking member extends between adjacent trays. The linked trays can be moved between stacked and flat configurations. The slides remain horizontal and parallel to each other in both the stacked and flat configurations.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to storing and processing microscope slides and, more particularly, to a rack or storage apparatus that can be configured to store slides in both stacked and flat configurations.

DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

Medical professionals and technicians often store specimen slides in a rack, tray or other storage apparatus. known storage devices are typically fixed in shape for use in a specific application or with a particular analysis or processing device.

For example, a slide cassette that is used with the ThinPrep® 3000 includes slides, which are removed and placed in another storage rack for staining and cover slipping. A staining rack for use with the ThinPrep® 3000 Processor, available from Cytyc Corporation, 85 Swanson Road, Boxborough, Mass. 01719 is shown in FIG. 1. This pre-formed staining rack arranges slides flat or horizontally so that a staining solution can be applied to the front surface of the microscope slide having a biological specimen. Cover slips are placed on these stained slides, which are placed in another storage rack for use with an imaging device to analyze the biological specimen. The slides may then be removed from that rack and placed on a paperboard tray, pallet or other tray for storage or further examination. Thus, the slides are transported between multiple slide racks for processing, staining and imaging applications.

These types of known slide storage devices and the manner in which they are integrated with processing equipment can be improved. In particular, a cytotechnologist should not be required to use separate slide storage devices for staining, viewing and storage applications or other preparations and examination. Further, slide storage racks should be multi-functional so that they can be used with various equipment and systems.

Another known slide rack, described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,020,995, can be used in a folded and unfolded configuration in which slides are arranged vertically in the folded configuration and horizontally in the unfolded configuration. In particular, the '995 patent describes a U-shaped cradle that includes a slot at the top of the cradle for inserting a slide from the top of the cradle into the slot. The bottom of the cradle in includes gussets. Slides stand up on an edge so that the bottom edge of the slide is held above the bottom surface of the cradle by the gussets. The racks are designed to provide minimal areas or zones of contact between slides and the holder, and facilitate manual grasping and gripping of individual slides for removal from the holder. The slides are held vertically in the slot to facilitate rapid drainage of a liquid from the slides.

Thus, in the folded arrangement, the slides are arranged vertically and then arranged differently (horizontally) in an unfolded arrangement. Thus, the orientation of the slide changes. Further, when the slides are placed in an unfolded position, the slides may not be completely flat (at angles relative to each other) or some of the slides can be face up and some of the slides can be face down. These inconsistent arrangements present difficulties for a cytotechnologist. Further, these arrangements make integrating the slide rack with processing and imaging equipment more complicated since these pieces of equipment typically utilize racks that arrange slides horizontally and in a consistent manner.

Thus, known slide racks can be improved by providing a slide rack that can be transformed between different configurations for different applications, while maintaining the slides in a consistent, horizontal arrangement, thus allowing for the slide racks to be easily processed and analyzed by a cytotechnologist and integrated with processing, staining and imaging equipment. Improving known slide storage devices would simplify specimen slide preparation and examination, while reducing necessary time and equipment associated with preparing and examining specimen slides.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one embodiment, a transformable storage apparatus for storing a plurality of slides includes a plurality of trays and a plurality of connectors. Each tray is configured to hold a slide. A connector secures a linking member to a tray so that at least one linking member extends between adjacent trays. Linked trays are moveable between stacked and flat configurations. All of the slides in the trays are arranged horizontally and parallel to each other in both configurations.

In another embodiment, a transformable storage apparatus for storing a plurality of slides includes a plurality of trays and a plurality of connectors. A connector secures a linking member to a tray so that at least one linking member extends between adjacent trays. Linked trays are moveable between stacked and flat configurations. All of the slides are arranged horizontally and parallel to each other and facing the same direction in both the stacked and flat configurations so that none of the slides are arranged vertically or on edge.

A further alternative embodiment is a method of transforming a shape of a slide storage apparatus. Linking members are rotatably connected to a plurality of trays so that at least one linking member extends between adjacent trays. One or slides are arranged within respective trays so that none of the slides are arranged vertically or on edge, and the linked trays are moved between a stacked and flat configurations, which are substantially perpendicular to each other. The slides remain substantially horizontal and parallel to each other in both configurations and during movement between the configurations.

In various embodiments, the trays can have the same shape and same size. A slide rack can include various numbers of trays, e.g., 2-20 trays. Slides can be loaded into trays through an aperture that is defined through a front or rear surface of a tray.

The slides are arranged in trays so that they face the same direction in both the stacked configuration and the flat configurations. For example, all of the slides can be arranged so that a top surface of the slide has a biological specimen.

The linking members can be metal or plastic, and can be rotatably connected to the trays with, for example, a hinge, to provide for movement between configurations. For example, opposite ends of a tray can be connected to two different linking members, and a linking member can extend between a front end of a first tray and a rear end of a second tray. The top or bottom tray in the stack can be connected to a single linking member, whereas middle trays can be connected to at least two linking members. The number of linking members can be less than a number of trays.

During movement of the plurality of trays between the stacked and flat configurations, all of the linking members and all of the slides remain substantially parallel to each other. None of the slides being arranged vertically or on edge in the stacked or flat configurations. Thus, all of the slides remain substantially the same arrangement and parallel to each other when being moved between the stacked and flat configurations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the drawings, in which like reference numbers represent corresponding parts throughout, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a known staining rack that includes horizontally arranged slides in a vertical or stacked configuration;

FIG. 2 is a side view of trays that are linked together on one side of the trays and in a vertical or stacked configuration according to one embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a top view of linked trays shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a front view of linked trays shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a top view of an alternative embodiment that includes a linking member on each side of a pair of trays;

FIG. 6 is a front view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 5;

FIGS. 7A-B are respective side and top views of linked trays being moved between a vertical or stacked configuration and a horizontal or flat configuration;

FIG. 8 is a side view of 10 linked trays according to an alternative embodiment in which the trays are arranged in a vertical or stacked configuration;

FIG. 9 is a top view of the arrangement shown in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a front view of the arrangement shown in FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 is a side view of 10 trays in a horizontal or flat arrangement;

FIG. 12 is a flow chart illustrating how an arrangement of slides can be moved between different configurations; and

FIG. 13 illustrates two 10-tray devices in a flat configuration being placed in a storage receptacle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of a transformable or foldable slide rack and method of handling and storing slides will now be described. A plurality of slide trays are linked together so that they can be arranged or positioned in different configurations, such as vertical or stacked and horizontal or flat arrangements. For example, a vertical stack is transformed into a horizontal stack by pulling a top tray out from the vertical stack which, in turn, pulls out the other trays directly and indirectly linked thereto, thereby extending the trays out and into a flat arrangement. Similarly, trays that are arranged in a flat arrangement can be placed in a vertical or stacked configuration by pulling an end tray up which, in turn, pulls up the other trays directly and indirectly linked thereto, placing the trays in a vertical stack on top of each other. Thus, a group of linked trays can be placed in different configurations for use with different applications.

In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and which show by way of illustration specific embodiments that may be practiced. It should be understood that other embodiments may also be utilized. Further, persons skilled in the art will recognize that transformable or foldable slide rack embodiments can be utilized to process and analyze a variety of biological specimens with various systems and equipment. For example, the specimen can be a human specimen that is analyzed to identify cancerous or other medical conditions. The specimen can also be an animal specimen that is analyzed by a veterinarian. Embodiments can also be configured for use with various pieces of equipment, e.g., slide preparation, staining, imaging and other processing equipment. Thus, it is not necessary to use separate slide racks for different applications, thereby providing for more efficient slide preparation and analysis.

For purposes of illustration and not limitation, embodiments are described with reference to gynecological (GYN) and non-gynecological (non-GYN) cancer-related specimens of human patients and related slide preparation and examination equipment. It should be appreciated that embodiments can be utilized with the collection and analysis of various other specimens and equipment.

Referring to FIG. 2, one embodiment of a slide storage apparatus 200 includes a plurality of linked trays. For purposes of illustration FIG. 2 illustrates two trays being linked together. Indeed, other numbers of trays may be linked together in a similar manner.

A bottom tray 210 a and a top tray 210 b (generally 210) are shown. Each tray 210 has a top 211, a bottom 212, sides 213 and 214, a front 215 and a rear 216. The trays 210 are connected together by a linking member 220. The linking members 220 can be made of various materials as needed including, but not limited to, metal plastic and other suitable materials. The linking member 220 is secured to the trays 210 with connectors 230 a and 230 b (generally 230). A variety of connectors 230 can be utilized to secure a linking member 220 to a tray 210. One exemplary connector 230 is a hinge or other that rotatably couples a linking member to a tray. The ends of the hinge 230 extend beyond the edges of the sides of a tray 210 so that they can be coupled to a linking member 210.

In one embodiment, an aperture 250 is defined through the front surface 215 of a tray 10. A slide 240 is inserted through the aperture 250 and into the tray 210. The apertures 250 may also be formed through the rear surface 216. Further, slides can be inserted from a side that does not include a linking member extending across trays. Slides may be inserted into a tray in other manners depending on, for example, the configuration of the tray and the linking members.

A linking member 220 is connected to opposite ends of the sides 212 of adjacent trays 210, extending from the bottom tray 210 a to the top tray 210 b at an angle 250. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, a linking member 220 is connected at a rear end of the bottom tray 210 a and a front end of a top tray 210 b.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, in one embodiment, a linking member 220 is used on one side of the apparatus 200, whereas the other side does not include a linking member. In an alternative embodiment, shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, a linking member 220 is used on each side of the apparatus. Whether linking members are used on one or both sides may depend on the number of trays used and whether the stability of the trays.

For purposes of explanation and illustration, this specification refers to embodiments that utilize two linking members 220, one on each side of a tray. Further, for purposes of illustration, not limitation, the connecting members 230 are shown as extending between linking members 220, through the trays. Embodiments, however, are not so limited since the connecting members 230 may extend completely through a tray 120 or partially into a tray 210.

Referring to FIGS. 7A-B, beginning with trays 210 a and 210 b being stacked in a stacked or vertical configuration 700, the top tray 210 b is raised and moved along a path that is defined by rotation of linking member 220, one end of which serves as a pivot point about a connector 230. The bottom tray 210 a can be held or secured by a user in order to ensure that it does not slide when the top tray 210 b is being pulled or moved. The linking member 220 is rotated from an initial angle 250 of about 30 degrees through about 150 degrees, resulting in a tray arrangement that is transformed by 90 degrees from a vertical arrangement 700 to a horizontal arrangement 710.

As a result, one end of the top tray 210 b is adjacent to what was previously an opposite end of the bottom tray 210 a. A similar and opposite rotation technique can be used to move the trays from initial flat or horizontal configuration to a vertical or stacked configuration.

FIGS. 7A and 7B show how the present slide rack improves upon known slide racks by maintaining all of the slides horizontally and parallel to each other in both the stacked and flat configurations. For example, a specimen on a top surface of a slide in an initially configuration remains on the top surface in a second configuration. In other words, the slides all face the same way. Further, the slides remain in horizontal and parallel to each other while the trays are being moved between vertical or stacked and horizontal or flat configurations.

Thus, embodiments present a slide in a consistent manner, while allowing trays to be switched between vertical and horizontal configurations. Thus, there are no slides that are arranged vertically or on edge, and both vertical and horizontal configurations present the slide in the same manner. Other known racks, in contrast, switch between vertical and horizontal slide arrangements, present slides in arrangements that are not flat, or present slides that are flipped so that both the top and bottom surfaces are presented.

Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that the length and connection, rotation or pivot points of the connector 230 can be adjusted depending on the length and height of the trays 210. For example, the angle 250 should be large enough so that the top tray 210 b can be moved up and over a sufficient distance to clear an end of the bottom tray 210 b, and come to rest flat substantially end-to-end with the bottom tray 210 a. Thus, the length and pivot points of the linking members can be selected to accommodate these movements between vertical and horizontal arrangements.

In alternative embodiments, an apparatus 200 can include one or more additional linking members. The previously discussed embodiments shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 include a linking member on each side of a tray 210. An additional linking member 220 may be useful if additional trays are being linked together or to provide additional support.

In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-6, an apparatus 220 includes two trays 120. An apparatus can include additional trays depending on, for example, a configuration of processing equipment or imaging systems that utilizes the rack, specific applications and cytotechnologist needs. Alternative embodiments can include, for example three, four, five, ten, twenty or other numbers of trays 210.

For example, if a rack is to be used with a Thin Prep® processor, available from Cytyc Corporation, 85 Swanson Road, Boxbourourgh, Mass. 01719, the apparatus may include 20 trays and have a shape and size that can be used by the processing equipment. Thus, the trays 210 can be arranged in a vertical configuration for staining purposes, and when removed from the ThinPrep 3000 system, the stack can be transformed into a horizontal configuration for drying and examination. Thus, the embodiments that illustrate particular numbers of trays are not intended to be limiting, and can be shaped and adapted for use with various slide processing, staining and imaging or examination equipment.

For example, FIGS. 8-10 illustrate an embodiment that includes 10 trays 210 a-j (generally 210) that are linked together. The embodiment shown in FIGS. 8-10 operates in a similar manner as previously described, except that the previously discussed operation is applied to additional linked trays 210. In particular, the illustrated embodiment includes 10 trays 210 that have generally the same rectangular shapes and sizes and are configured to hold a slide. Indeed, other shapes, sizes and designs may be used depending on particular applications. Further, some applications may involve all of the trays holding a slide, whereas other applications may not include a slide. At least one linking member 220 is secured to sides of adjacent trays 210 using a connector 230. Thus, as shown, a linking member 220 extends between adjacent trays, e.g., between trays 210 d and 210 e, and between trays 210 h and 210 i.

As illustrated, the linking members 220 are connected to ends of the sides of a tray, specifically, opposite ends. Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the top and bottom trays are each connected to at least one linking member, whereas middle trays are each connected to at least two linking members. Thus, each of the middle trays is linked to a tray above and a tray below a subject middle tray. For example, top tray 210; and bottom tray 210 a are coupled to a single linking member 220, whereas a middle tray 210 d is coupled to two linking members.

With the illustrated configuration, the number of linking members 220 is different than the number of trays 210. In particular, in one embodiment, the number of linking members 220 is less than the number of trays 210 since one linking member 220 extends between a pair of trays 210. In the illustrated embodiment, the number of linking members 220 is one less than the number of trays 210 (e.g., nine linking members 220 are connected between 10 respective trays 210).

Referring to FIGS. 8, 10 and 11, the linked 10-tray arrangement is moveable between a stacked or vertical arrangement and a flat or horizontal arrangement. In one embodiment, first and second configurations are vertical and horizontal configurations and are thus oriented 90 degrees relative to each other. Further, since one configuration is a vertical stack, and another configuration is flat, both configurations are stable, even when multiple trays are utilized. As previously discussed, the angular arrangement 250 of the linking members 220 can be selected depending on the height and other tray 210 dimensions. In the illustrated embodiment, all of the linking members 220 are arranged at the same angle 250, since all of the trays 210 are the same shape and size. In alternative embodiments, the linking members 220 can have different lengths, pivot points and angular orientations if different sized tray designs are used.

The embodiment shown in FIGS. 8, 10 and 11 operates in a similar manner as the embodiment shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B. Beginning with a vertical or stacked configuration, the top slide 210; is raised and moved along a path that is defined by rotation of the linking members, one end of each linking member serving as a pivot point. The bottom tray or trays can be held or secured by a user so that they do not slide out. The linking members are rotated from an initial angle 250, thereby moving corresponding connected trays out from the vertical stack. As a result, the 10-tray vertical arrangement is transformed from the vertical arrangement to a horizontal or flat arrangement. Thus, the linking members remain parallel to each other in both arrangements, and are in-line in the flat arrangement. Further, the slides remain substantially horizontal and parallel to each other, maintaining the same surface as the “top” surface.

The length and connection, rotation or pivot points of the linking members can be adjusted as needed so that trays can be moved up and over a sufficient distance to clear an end of adjacent bottom trays. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 11, a tray further from a bottom tray of the vertical configuration travels a greater distance than a tray that is closer to the bottom tray when the plurality of trays are moved between configurations.

Accordingly, a method of transforming a slide rack or tray from one configuration, such as a vertical or stacked configuration, to a second configuration, such as a flat or horizontal configuration is provided in FIG. 12. In step 1200, a plurality of trays are linked together. In particular, a linking member is rotatably connected to adjacent trays so that the linking member extends between opposite ends of adjacent trays and at an angle.

In step 1210, support is provided to the bottom or end tray, if necessary. For example, a user may hold or support a bottom tray when the trays are stacked on a flat surface, such as a table, when moving the top tray away from the stack to arrange the slides in a flat arrangement. Holding the bottom tray may prevent the bottom tray from sliding out from underneath the stack as the stack is being moved between configurations. Support may or may not be necessary if, for example, the bottom tray is held in an overtray (e.g., as shown in FIG. 13) or other container that provides support to the bottom tray.

In step 1220, the top tray of the stack of trays is moved away from the next adjacent bottom tray. For example, the top tray may be lifted upward and/or moved outward, as allowed by rotation of the corresponding top linking member. As a result, the other middle linking members and linked trays follow and are also moved away from the stack in step 1230. Further, by holding the top tray, support is provided by the underlying trays directly and indirectly linked thereto as they are moved away from the stack. Movement of all of the link trays eventually results in placement of the linked trays in the second, flat or horizontal configuration in step 1240.

Alternatively, a similar method can be used to transform the slide rack from an initial flat or horizontal arrangement to a stacked or vertical arrangement.

Once the trays are arranged in the second, horizontal or flat configuration, they can be placed in an overtray 1300, as shown in FIG. 13. For example, two sets 1310 and 1320 of linked trays can be placed within a larger overtray 1300. The overtray 1300 can be designed to hold fewer or additional sets of trays having various shapes and sizes as needed.

Considering the capabilities described above, apparatus and method embodiments provide distinct improvements over known slide racks and trays. For example, when using embodiments, it is not necessary to utilize multiple racks or trays for storing slides. Thus, embodiments reduce or eliminate equipment and related processing steps and human labor or machine processing that is involved in transferring slides between separate storage mechanisms. Further, embodiments can be adapted so that various numbers, shapes and sizes of trays can be used, thus providing flexibility for integration with various types of slide processing equipment Persons of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that certain insubstantial modifications, alterations, and substitutions can be made to the described embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention, as recited in the accompanying claims. For example, other numbers and designs of trays and linking and connecting members can be used. Moreover, although this specification has described vertical and horizontal configurations, persons of ordinary skill in the act will appreciate that “intermediate” or “fanning” configurations can also be utilized. This may be done by, for example, limiting rotation of the linking members and trays connected thereto so that rotation is stopped somewhere between vertical and horizontal configurations, e.g., at 45 degrees. 

1. A storage apparatus for storing a plurality of slides, comprising: a plurality of trays, each tray being configured to hold a slide; a plurality of linking members; and a plurality of connectors, a connector securing a linking member to a tray, at least one linking member extending between adjacent trays, the linked trays being moveable between a stacked configuration and a flat configuration, all of the slides being arranged horizontally and parallel to each other in both the stacked and flat configurations.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, the trays having the same size.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, the trays having the same shape.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1 including about 2-20 trays.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, a front surface or a rear surface of a tray defining an aperture, a slide being placed into a tray through the aperture.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, all of the slides in trays facing the same direction in both the stacked configuration and the flat configuration.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6, all of the slides being arranged in the trays so that a top surface of a slide has a biological specimen.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, the linking members being metal or plastic.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, opposite ends of a tray being connected to two different linking members.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9, a linking member extending between a front end of a first tray and a rear end of a second tray, the first tray being adjacent to the second tray.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1, a top tray or a bottom tray of the plurality of trays being connected to a single linking member.
 12. The apparatus of claim 1, a middle tray of the plurality of trays being connected to at least two linking members.
 13. The apparatus of claim 1, a number of linking members being less than a number of trays.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13, the number of linking members being one less than the number of trays.
 15. The apparatus of claim 1, all of the linking members remaining substantially parallel to each other during movement of the plurality of trays between the stacked and flat configurations.
 16. The apparatus of claim 1, all of the linking members being arranged at about the same angle in the stacked configuration.
 17. The apparatus of claim 1, the connector comprising a hinge.
 18. The apparatus of claim 1, the connector rotatably connecting a linking member to a tray.
 19. The apparatus of claim 1, none of the slides being arranged vertically or on edge in the stacked configuration.
 20. The apparatus of claim 1, none of the slides being arranged vertically or on edge in the flat configuration.
 21. The apparatus of claim 1, all of the slides remaining substantially parallel to each other when being moved between the stacked and flat configurations.
 22. The apparatus of claim 1, the linking members being substantially in-line when the plurality of trays are arranged in the flat configuration.
 23. A storage apparatus for storing a plurality of slides, comprising: a plurality of trays, each tray being configured to hold a slide; a plurality of linking members; and a plurality of connectors, a connector securing a linking member to a tray, at least one linking member extending between adjacent trays, the linked trays being moveable between a stacked configuration and a flat configuration, all of the slides being arranged horizontally and parallel to each other and facing the same direction in both the stacked and flat configurations so that none of the slides are arranged vertically or on edge.
 24. The apparatus of claim 23, a front surface or a rear surface of a tray defining an aperture, a slide being placed into a tray through the aperture.
 25. The apparatus of claim 23, all of the slides being arranged in trays so that a top surface of the slide includes a biological specimen.
 26. The apparatus of claim 23, opposite ends of a tray being connected to two different linking members.
 27. The apparatus of claim 26, a linking member extending between a front end of a first tray and a rear end of a second tray, the first tray being adjacent to the second tray.
 28. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein a top tray or a bottom tray of the plurality of trays is connected to a single linking member.
 29. The apparatus of claim 23, a middle tray of the plurality of trays being connected to at least two linking members.
 30. The apparatus of claim 23, a number of linking members being less than a number of trays.
 31. The apparatus of claim 30, the number of linking members being one less than the number of trays.
 32. The apparatus of claim 23, the linking members remaining substantially parallel to each other during movement of the plurality of trays between the stacked and flat configurations.
 33. The apparatus of claim 23, all of the linking members being arranged at about the same angle.
 34. The apparatus of claim 23, the connector comprising a hinge.
 35. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the slides remain substantially parallel to each other when being moved between the stacked and flat configurations.
 36. The apparatus of claim 23, the linking members being substantially in-line when the plurality of trays are arranged in the flat configuration.
 37. A method of transforming a shape of a slide storage apparatus, the apparatus including a plurality of trays that are configured to hold a specimen slide, the method, comprising: rotatably connecting linking members to a plurality of trays, at least one linking member extending between adjacent trays; arranging one or more slides within respective trays so that none of the slides are arranged vertically or on edge; moving the linked trays between a stacked configuration and a flat configuration, the stacked configuration being substantially perpendicular to the flat configuration, the slides remaining substantially horizontal and parallel to each other in both the stacked and flat configurations and during movement between the stacked and flat configurations. 